US11957962B2 - Grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf club head including a club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole. The golf club head including a plurality of grooves disposed on the club face between the top rail and the sole. Each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end. Widths of the grooves vary in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/230,402, filed Dec. 21, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/111,062, filed Aug. 23, 2018, and is issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,315,079 on Jun. 11, 2019, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/410,521, filed on Jan. 19, 2017, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,099,091 on Oct. 16, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/678,622, filed Apr. 3, 2015, and is issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,561,407 on Feb. 7, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/628,685, filed on Sep. 27, 2012, and is issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,108,088 on Aug. 18, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/697,994, filed on Sep. 7, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/541,981, filed on Sep. 30, 2011. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/628,685 is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/591,620, filed on Aug. 22, 2012, and is issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,578 on Jul. 1, 2014, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/237,293, filed on Sep. 20, 2011, and is issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,505 on Oct. 9, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/535,868, filed on Aug. 5, 2009, and is issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,586 on Nov. 29, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/087,158, filed Aug. 7, 2008, all of which are all fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly, to grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads.

BACKGROUND

Typically, a golf club head may include a club face with a plurality of parallel grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end. In particular, the plurality of grooves in an iron-type club head may clear out water, sand, grass, and/or other debris between a golf ball and the club face. Golf club faces may have grooves with various shapes such as squared or box-shaped grooves, V-shaped grooves, or U-shaped grooves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1 shows a putter according to one example.

FIG.2 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.3 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.4 shows a schematic top view of a groove of the ball striking face ofFIG.3.

FIG.5 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of the groove ofFIG.4 taken at section5-5 ofFIG.3.

FIG.6 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.3.

FIG.7 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.3.

FIG.8 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.9 shows a schematic top view of a groove of the ball striking face ofFIG.8.

FIG.10 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of the groove ofFIG.9 taken at section10-10 ofFIG.8.

FIG.11 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.8.

FIG.12 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.8.

FIG.13 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.14 shows a schematic top view of a groove of the ball striking face ofFIG.13.

FIG.15 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of the groove ofFIG.14 taken at section15-15 ofFIG.13.

FIG.16 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.13.

FIG.17 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.13.

FIG.18 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.19 shows a schematic top view of a groove of the ball striking face ofFIG.18.

FIG.20 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of the groove ofFIG.19 taken at section20-20 ofFIG.18.

FIG.21 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.18.

FIG.22 shows a horizontal cross-sectional diagram of another groove of the ball striking faceFIG.18.

FIG.23 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIGS.24-26 show different examples of vertical cross sections of grooves of the ball striking face ofFIG.23 taken at section24-24 ofFIG.23.

FIG.27 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.28 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIGS.29-37 show schematic diagrams of exemplary horizontal cross sections of a groove of a ball striking face of a putter.

FIGS.38-45 show schematic top views of exemplary grooves of a ball striking face of a putter.

FIG.46 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.47 shows a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG.48 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a groove of a putter according to one example.

FIG.49 shows a vertical schematic cross-sectional diagram of a putter according to one example.

FIG.50 shows a vertical schematic cross-sectional diagram of a putter according to one example.

FIG.51 shows a putter face according to another example.

FIG.52 shows a putter face according to another example.

FIG.53 shows a method of manufacturing a golf club according to one example.

DESCRIPTION

In general, grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads are described herein. Golf equipment related to the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Further, the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes, and one or more of the figures may not be depicted to scale. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the examples ofFIG.1, aputter100 is shown. Although grooves for aputter100 are described herein, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other types of club head (e.g., a driver-type club head, a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, an iron-type club head, etc.). For example, grooves for iron-type club heads are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2010/0035702, filed Aug. 5, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference.

The putters described herein can have a loft angle less than 10 degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putters described herein can be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 6 degrees, between 0 and 7 degrees, or between 0 and 8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of the putter can be less than 10 degrees, less than 9 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or less than 5 degrees. For further example, the loft angle of the putter can be 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees. The loft angles of the putters described above can apply to any embodiments of the putter or putter face described herein.

Theputter100 includes aputter head102 having aputter face110. Theputter face110 may be generally planar. Theputter face110 includes aball striking face112 that may be generally on the same plane as theputter face110 or slightly projected outward from theputter face110. The ballstriking face112 may be the same size or smaller (as shown inFIG.1) than theputter face110. The ballstriking face112 may be a region on theputter face110 that is generally used to strike a golf ball (not shown). However, an individual may also strike a ball with a section of theputter face110 that is outside theball striking face112.

The ballstriking face112 may be a continuous or integral part of theputter face110 or formed as an insert that is attached to theputter face110. Such an insert may be constructed from the same material or different materials as theputter face110 and then be attached to theputter face110. The ballstriking face112 may include one or more grooves, generally shown asgrooves120, and one ormore land portions170. For example, theball striking face112 is shown to have twelve grooves, generally shown as122,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142, and144. Thegrooves120 may be generally referred to with a single reference number such as120. However, when specifically describing one of the grooves on theball striking face112, the reference number for that specific groove may be used.

Two adjacent grooves may be separated by aland portion170. Aland portion170 between eachgroove120 and anadjacent groove120 may have the same or different width as aland portion170 between another pair ofadjacent grooves120. Theland portions170 may also define the top surface of theball striking face112. In general, two or more of thegrooves120 may be parallel to each other. For example, the grooves122 and124 may be parallel to each other. However, thegrooves120 may be oriented relative to each other in any manner. For example, any of thegrooves120 may be diagonally, vertically and/or horizontally oriented. As shown in the example ofFIG.2, one or more of thegrooves120 may be substantially linear and generally parallel to anadjacent groove120 and extend between atoe end180 and aheel end190 of theputter face110.

As described in detail below, the depth, length, width, a horizontal cross-sectional shape, and/or a vertical cross-sectional shape of thegrooves120 may linearly, nonlinearly, in regular or irregular step-wise intervals, arcuately and/or according to one or more geometric shapes increase, decrease and/or vary from thetoe end180 to theheel end190 and/or from atop rail182 to a sole192 of theputter head102. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring toFIG.2, theball striking face112 is shown having grooves122-144. The ballstriking face112 may be an integral part of theputter face110 such as to be co-manufactured with theputter face110. Alternatively, theball striking face112 may be an insert that is attached to theputter face110. Each of thegrooves120 may extend from thetoe end180 to theheel end190 to define a corresponding length193 (only thelength193 ofgroove144 is shown inFIG.2). Thelengths193 of some or all of thegrooves120 may vary in a direction from thetop rail182 to the sole192 so that eachgroove120 may generally conform to the shape of the perimeter of theball striking face112. For example, the length of the grooves may increase from near thetop rail182 to acenter184 of theball striking face112 and decrease from thecenter184 to near the sole192. Thecenter184 may be a geometric center of theball striking face112. Alternatively, thecenter184 may represent an inertial or weight related center of theball striking face112. However, thecenter184 may be generally defined by a region of theball striking face112 that typically strikes the ball. As shown inFIG.1, thelength193 of thegrooves120 may be similar. In other examples, such as the example shown inFIG.2, thelength193 of the grooves may decrease from near thetop rail182 to thecenter184 and decrease from near the sole192 to thecenter184. Thus, any groove length arranged on theball striking face112 is within the scope of the disclosure.

In another example shown inFIG.3, aball striking face212 may include grooves220 (shown specifically as grooves222-244). The ballstriking face212 may be an integral part of theputter face110 or a separate piece that is attached to theputter face110. Accordingly, when describing theball striking face212, parts of theputter100 and theputter head102 are referred to with the same reference numbers described above.

FIG.4 shows a schematic view of thegroove232 andFIG.5 shows a horizontal cross section of thegroove232 taken at section line5-5 ofFIG.3. Thegroove232 is shown to be divided into horizontally spanning regions, generally shown as regions271-275, which are visually defined inFIGS.3 and4 by vertical boundary lines. The horizontal regions271-275 may define variations in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of thegroove232 from near thetoe end180 to near theheel end190 and/or from near thetop rail182 to near the sole192. Horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any property of the groove along thelength293 of the groove, such as length of a certain section of the groove, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or construction materials. In the example ofFIGS.3-7, the grooves220 include a firstvertical wall250 and a secondvertical wall252 that define thelength293 of the grooves220. Each of the grooves220 has abottom surface254 which defines a depth of the groove220. The depth of each groove may vary from thefirst wall250 to thesecond wall252 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove220 in the regions271-275. Each groove220 also includes a firsthorizontal wall256 and a secondhorizontal wall258 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove220. The distance between the firsthorizontal wall256 and the secondhorizontal wall258 defines awidth280 of the groove220. Thewidth280 may vary from the firstvertical wall250 to the secondvertical wall252 as shown in the examples ofFIGS.38-45, where a groove may have alength590, afirst width594, asecond width595 and/or athird width596. In the example ofFIGS.3-7, however, the firsthorizontal wall256 and the secondhorizontal wall258 are generally parallel to define a generallyconstant width280.

Referring toFIG.5, thebottom surface254 at theregion271 is downwardly sloped or curved to define afirst depth282 at the boundary betweenregions271 and272. Thebottom surface254 in theregion272 transitions with a steeper downward curve from thefirst depth282 to asecond depth284 at the boundary betweenregions272 and273. If thebottom surface254 is flat in theregion273, thesecond depth284 may generally define the greatest depth of thegroove232. However, if thebottom surface254 is not flat, the greatest depth of thegroove232 may be defined in another part of theregion273. Any of the grooves220 may be symmetric about the vertical axis y. Accordingly, the shape of the groove220 on each side of the y axis may mirror the shape of thegroove232 on the other side of the y axis. However, any of the grooves220 may be asymmetric. Theregions271 and275 define shallow portions of thegroove232 and theregion273 defines the deeper center portion of thegroove232. The deepest part of any of the grooves220 may be at the center of the groove220. Theregions272 and274 facilitate transition of thebottom surface254 from thedepth282 to thedepth284.

Referring toFIGS.3 and5, the general cross-sectional profile of each of the grooves220 may remain generally similar from thetop rail182 to the sole190. However, the cross-sectional profile including lengths, widths and/or depths of the regions271-275 of each of the grooves220 may progressively vary from thetop rail182 to the sole192. InFIGS.6 and7, the horizontal cross sections of thegrooves238 and244, respectively, are shown. For example, the regions271-275 of thegroove238 are smaller in length than the regions271-275 of thegroove232, respectively. Similarly, the regions271-275 of thegroove244 are smaller in length than the regions271-275 of thegroove238, respectively. In another example, the regions271-275 of thegroove238 may have smaller depths than the regions271-275 of thegroove232, respectively. Similarly, the regions271-275 of thegroove244 may have smaller depths than the regions271-275 of thegroove238, respectively.

The progressive increase in the length, depth and/or width of the regions271-275 of the grooves222-232 from thetop rail182 to generally the center of theball striking face212 and/or the decrease in the size of the regions271-275 of the grooves232-244 from generally the center of theball striking face212 to the sole192 forms a central strike zone260 (shown inFIG.3), which may resemble the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual in an address position. The approximate visual representation of a golf ball can assist an individual with lining up theball striking face212 with the ball. Theregions273, which define the deepest parts of the grooves220 may be larger in length at the center of theball striking face212 and progressively reduce in length toward thetop rail182 and the sole192. Similarly, thetransition regions272 and274 may have the greatest length at the center of theball striking face212 and progressively reduce in length toward thetop rail182 and the sole192. Although the lengths of the regions271-275 may vary depending on the location of the grooves220 on theball striking face212, the depth of similar regions for each groove220 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of thegroove232 may be similar to the greatest depth of thegroove244. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves222-244 may vary based on the location of the groove220 relative toball striking face212. Alternatively yet, the depths of the grooves222-244 may vary in any manner from thetop rail182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

In another example shown inFIG.8, aball striking face312 includes grooves320 (shown specifically as grooves322-344). The ballstriking face312 may be an integral part of theputter face110 or a separate piece that is attached to theputter face110. Accordingly, when describing theball striking face312, parts of theputter100 and theputter head102 are referred to with the same reference numbers described above.

FIG.9 shows a schematic view of thegroove332 andFIG.10 shows a horizontal cross section of thegroove332 taken at section line10-10 ofFIG.8. Thegroove332 is shown to be divided into horizontally spanning regions371-375, which are visually defined inFIGS.8 and9 by vertical boundary lines. The horizontal regions371-375 may define variations in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of thegroove332 from near thetoe end180 to near theheel end190 and/or from near thetop rail182 to near the sole192. Horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any property of the groove along thelength393 of the groove, such as length of a certain section of the groove, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or construction materials. In the example ofFIGS.8-12, the grooves320 include a firstvertical wall350 and a secondvertical wall352 that define thelength393 of the grooves320. Each of the grooves320 has a bottom surface354 which defines a depth of the groove320. The depth of each groove may vary from thefirst wall350 to thesecond wall352 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove320 in the regions371-375. Each groove320 also includes a firsthorizontal wall356 and a secondhorizontal wall358 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove320. The distance between the firsthorizontal wall356 and the secondhorizontal wall358 defines awidth380 of the groove320. Thewidth380 may vary from the firstvertical wall350 to the secondvertical wall352 as shown in the examples ofFIGS.38-45. In the example ofFIGS.8-12, however, the firsthorizontal wall256 and the secondhorizontal wall258 are generally parallel to define a generallyconstant width380.

Referring toFIG.10, the bottom surface354 at theregion371 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped to define afirst depth382 at the boundary between371 and372. The bottom surface354 in theregion372 transitions with a step downward from thefirst depth382 to asecond depth384 at the boundary between theregions372 and373. The bottom surface354 in theregion372 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped such that the groove320 has a generallyuniform depth384 in theregion372. The bottom surface354 in theregion372 transitions with a step downward from thesecond depth384 to athird depth386. The bottom surface354 in theregion373 may be generally flat or slightly sloped such that the groove320 has a generallyuniform depth386 in theregion373. Any of the grooves320 may be symmetric about the vertical axis y. Accordingly, the shape of the groove320 on each side of the y axis mirrors the shape of the groove320 on the other side of the y axis. However, any of the grooves320 may be asymmetric. Thedepth386 represents the greatest depth of the grooves320.

Referring toFIGS.10-12, the general cross-sectional profile of the grooves320 may remain generally similar from thetop rail182 to the sole190. However, the cross-sectional profile including the lengths, widths and/or the depths of the regions371-375 of each of the grooves320 may progressively vary from thetop rail182 to the sole192. InFIGS.11 and12, the horizontal cross sections of thegrooves338 and344, respectively, are shown. For example, the regions371-375 of thegroove338 are smaller in length than the regions371-375 of thegroove332, respectively. Similarly, the regions371-375 of thegroove344 are smaller in length than the regions371-375 of thegroove338, respectively. In another example, the regions371-375 of thegroove338 may have smaller depths than the regions371-375 of thegroove332, respectively. Similarly, the regions371-275 of thegroove344 may have smaller depths than the regions371-375 of thegroove338, respectively.

The progressive increase in the length, depth and/or width of the regions371-375 of the grooves322-332 from thetop rail182 to the center of theball striking face312 and/or the decrease in the size of the regions371-375 of the grooves332-344 form the center of theball striking face312 to the sole192 forms a central strike zone360 (shown inFIG.8), which may discretely resemble the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual in an address position. The approximate visual representation of a golf ball can assist an individual with lining up theball striking face312 with the ball. Theregions373, which define the deepest parts of thegrooves360 may be larger in length at the center of theball striking face312 and progressively reduce in length toward thetop rail182 and the sole192. Similarly, thetransition regions372 and374 may have the greatest length at the center of theball striking face312 and progressively reduce in length toward thetop rail182 and the sole192. Although the lengths of the regions371-375 vary depending on the location of the grooves320 on theball striking face312, the depth of similar regions for each groove320 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of thegroove344 may be similar to the greatest depth of thegroove332. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves322-344 may vary based on the location of grooves320 on theball striking face312. Alternatively yet, the depths of the grooves322-344 may vary in any manner from thetop rail182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

In another example shown inFIG.13, aball striking face412 includes grooves420 (shown specifically as grooves422-444). The ballstriking face412 may be an integral part of theputter face110 or a separate piece that is attached to theputter face110. Accordingly, when describing theball striking face412, parts of theputter100 and theputter head102 are referred to with the same reference numbers described above.

FIG.14 shows a schematic view of thegroove432 andFIG.15 shows a horizontal cross section of thegroove432 taken at section line15-15 ofFIG.13. Thegroove432 is shown to be divided into horizontally spanningregions471 and472, which are visually defined inFIGS.13 and14 by the boundary lines of thegroove432 and a vertical line at the center of thegroove432. Thehorizontal regions471 and472 may define variations in the horizontal cross-sectional profiles of thegroove432 from near thetoe end180 to near theheel end190 and/or from near thetop rail182 to near the sole192. Horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove refers to any property of the groove along thelength493 of the groove, such as length of a certain section of the groove, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or construction materials. In the example ofFIGS.13-17, the grooves420 include a firstvertical wall450 and a secondvertical wall452 that define thelength493 of the grooves420. Each of the grooves420 has abottom surface454 which defines a depth of the groove420. The depth of each groove may vary from thefirst wall450 to thesecond wall452 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove420 in theregions471 and472. Each groove420 also includes a firsthorizontal wall456 and a secondhorizontal wall458 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove420. The distance between the firsthorizontal wall456 and the secondhorizontal wall458 defines awidth480 of the groove420. Thewidth480 may vary from the firstvertical wall450 to the secondvertical wall452 as shown in the examples ofFIGS.38-45. In the example ofFIGS.13-17, however, the firsthorizontal wall456 and the secondhorizontal wall458 are generally parallel to define a generallyconstant width480.

Referring toFIG.15, thebottom surface454 at the region471 has a linear profile and is downwardly sloped. Thegrooves450 are symmetric about the center vertical axis y. Accordingly, thebottom surface454 at theregion472 has a similar linear profile and is similarly downwardly sloped as thebottom surface454 at the region471. Accordingly, the depth of the grooves420 gradually increase from adepth482 at thefirst wall452 andsecond wall454 to adepth484 at the center of the grooves420. Thedepth484 represents the deepest part of the grooves420, which may be at the center of the groove420.

Referring toFIGS.15-17, the general cross-sectional profile of the grooves420 may remain generally similar from thetop rail182 to the sole190. However, the cross-sectional profile including the lengths and/or the depths of theregions471 and472 of each of the grooves420 may progressively vary from thetop rail182 to the sole192. For example, theregions471 and472 of thegroove438 are smaller in length than theregions471 and472 of thegroove332, respectively. Similarly, the regions471 and471 of thegroove444 are smaller in length than theregions471 and472 of thegroove438, respectively. In another example, theregions471 and472 of thegroove438 may have smaller depths than theregions471 and472 of thegroove432, respectively. Similarly, theregions471 and472 of thegroove444 may have smaller depths than theregions471 and472 of thegroove438, respectively.

The progressive increase in the length, depth and/or width of theregions471 and472 of the grooves422-432 from thetop rail182 to the center of theball striking face412 and/or the decrease in the size of theregions471 and472 of the grooves432-444 form the center of theball striking face412 to the sole192 forms a central strike zone460 (shown inFIG.13). Theregions471 and472 may have the greatest length at the center of theball striking face412 and progressively reduce in length toward thetop rail182 and the sole192. Although the lengths of theregions471 and472 vary depending on the location of the grooves420 on theball striking face412, the depth of similar regions for each groove420 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of thegroove444 may be similar to the greatest depth of thegroove432. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves422-444 may vary based on the location of grooves420 on theball striking face412. Alternatively yet, the depths of the grooves422-444 may vary in any manner from thetop rail182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

In another example shown inFIG.18, aball striking face512 includes grooves520 (shown specifically as grooves522-544). The ballstriking face512 may be an integral part of theputter face110 or a separate piece that is attached to theputter face110. Accordingly, when describing theball striking face512, parts of theputter100 and theputter head102 are referred to with the same reference numbers described above.

FIG.19 shows a schematic view of thegroove532 andFIG.20 shows a horizontal cross section of thegroove532 taken at section line20-20 ofFIG.18. Thegroove532 is shown to be divided into horizontally spanningregions571 and572, which are visually defined inFIGS.18 and19 by the boundary lines of thegroove532 and a vertical line at the center of thegroove532. Thehorizontal regions571 and572 may define variations in the horizontal cross-sectional profiles of thegroove532 from near thetoe end180 to near theheel end190 and/or from near thetop rail182 to near the sole192. Horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove refers to any property of the groove along thelength593 of the groove, such as a length of a certain section of the groove, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or construction materials. In the example ofFIGS.18-22, the grooves520 include a firstvertical wall550 and a secondvertical wall552 that define thelength593 of the grooves520. Each of the grooves520 has a bottom surface554 which defines a depth of the groove520. The depth of each groove may vary from thefirst wall550 to thesecond wall552 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove520 in theregions571 and572. Each groove520 also includes a firsthorizontal wall556 and a secondhorizontal wall558 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove520. The distance between the firsthorizontal wall556 and the secondhorizontal wall558 defines awidth580 of the groove520. Thewidth580 may vary from the firstvertical wall550 to the secondvertical wall552 as shown in the examples ofFIGS.38-45. In the example ofFIGS.18-22, however, the firsthorizontal wall556 and the secondhorizontal wall558 are generally parallel to define a generallyconstant width580.

Referring toFIG.20, the bottom surface554 at the region571 has a linear profile and is downwardly sloped. The bottom surface554 in theregion572 also has a linear profile and is downwardly sloped. However, because thesecond wall552 is longer than thefirst wall550, the bottom surface554 in theregion572 has a smaller slope than the bottom surface554 in the region571. Accordingly, thegrooves550 of this example are asymmetric about the vertical center axis y. Thus, thegrooves250 have afirst depth582 defined by thefirst wall550, asecond depth584 defined by thesecond wall552 and acenter depth586, which is gradually reached from thedepths582 and584 according to the downwardly sloped bottom surface554 of theregions571 and572, respectively. Thecenter depth586 may be the depth of the deepest part of the groove520.

Referring toFIGS.20-22, the general cross-sectional profile of the grooves520 may remain generally similar from thetop rail182 to the sole190. However, the cross sectional profile including the lengths, widths and/or the depths of theregions571 and572 of each of the grooves520 may progressively vary from thetop rail182 to the sole192. InFIGS.21 and22, the horizontal cross sections of thegrooves538 and544, respectively, are shown. For example, theregions571 and572 of thegroove538 are smaller in length than theregions571 and572 of thegroove532, respectively. Similarly, theregions571 and572 of thegroove544 are smaller in length than theregions571 and572 of thegroove538, respectively. In another example, theregions571 and572 of thegroove538 may have smaller depths than theregions571 and572 of thegroove532, respectively. Similarly, theregions571 and572 of thegroove544 may have smaller depths than theregions571 and572 of thegroove538, respectively.

The progressive increase in the length, depth and/or width of theregions571 and572 of the grooves522-532 from thetop rail182 to the center of theball striking face512 and/or the decrease in the size of theregions571 and572 of the grooves532-544 form the center of theball striking face512 to the sole192 forms a central strike zone560 (shown inFIG.18). Theregions571 and572 may have the greatest length at the center of theball striking face512 and progressively reduce in length toward thetop rail182 and the sole192. Although the lengths of theregions571 and572 vary depending on the location of the grooves520 on theball striking face512, the depth of similar regions for each groove520 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of thegroove544 may be similar to the greatest depth of thegroove532. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves522-544 may vary based on the location of grooves520 on theball striking face512. Alternatively yet, the depths of the grooves522-544 may vary in any manner from thetop rail182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

The grooves220,320,420 and520 described above illustrate four examples of horizontal cross-sectional profile of grooves for use with theputter100. Other examples of horizontal cross sectional profiles are shown inFIGS.29-37, where each groove may have alength590, afirst depth591, asecond depth592 and/or athird depth593. A groove may be defined by any number of horizontal regions, where any one or more regions have similar properties or dissimilar properties. A groove that may be symmetric or asymmetric about the y axis, for example, may have a bottom surface with a complex combination of linear and nonlinear shapes defining similar or various depths from thetoe end180 to theheel end190. Such a groove may be described with a large number of horizontal regions, where each region defines one or more of the noted complex shapes. Accordingly, the number, arrangement, sizes and the other properties of the horizontal ranges described above are in no way limiting to the groove cross-sectional profiles according to the disclosure.

In the above examples, the grooves on each corresponding ball striking face have similar shapes. However, the grooves on ball striking face may have dissimilar shapes. For example, a ball striking face may include a combination of grooves220 and320. In another example, the ball striking face may include a combination of grooves420 and520. Thus, any combination of groove cross-sectional profiles may be used on a ball striking face to impart a particular ball striking property to the putter.

The horizontal cross-sectional profiles of the grooves may progressively and proportionally vary from thetop rail182 to the center of the ball striking face and may progressively vary from the center of the ball striking face to the sole192. The noted progressive variation may define a ball strike zone that is larger at the center of the ball striking face than near thetop rail182 and the sole192. Furthermore, the progressive noted variation of the grooves' horizontal cross-sectional profiles provides grooves at the center of the ball striking face and around the center of the ball striking face that have longer deep groove sections than grooves near thetop rail182 and the sole192. However, the above-described progressive variation of the grooves is exemplary and other progressive variation schemes may be used to impart particular ball striking properties to various portions of the ball striking face.

Referring toFIG.23, aball striking face612 according to another example is shown havinggrooves620.FIGS.24-26 show a vertical cross-sectional shape of thegrooves620 as viewed from section line24-24 ofFIG.23. InFIG.24, the vertical cross-sectional shape of thegroove620 is box-shaped, rectangular or square. InFIG.25, the vertical cross-sectional shape of thegroove620 is V-shaped. InFIG.26, the vertical cross-sectional shape of thegroove620 is U-shaped. The vertical cross-sectional groove shapes ofFIGS.24-26 are applicable to any groove according to the disclosure. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the grooves220 may be rectangular or square according to thegrooves620 ofFIG.24. In another example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of thegrooves620 may be V-shaped according to thegroove620 ofFIG.25. Furthermore, the vertical cross-sectional shape of a groove may vary from thetoe end180 to theheel end190. For example, with reference toFIGS.4 and5, a groove220 may be have a square or rectangular vertical cross-sectional shape inregions271 and275, U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape inregions271 and274, and V-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape inregion273. Additionally, the vertical cross-sectional shapes of the grooves may also vary from thetop rail182 to the sole190. For example, grooves near thetop rail182 and the sole192 may have a square vertical cross-sectional shape, while the grooves at the center of the club face may have a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape.

The ball striking face of the putter in the above examples is shown to have grooves from thetop rail182 to the sole192. However, a ball striking face may have more or less grooves, or have sections that are without grooves. For example, a ball striking face may have several grooves at the center section of the ball strike face and be without grooves at sections near thetop rail182 or the sole192.

The grooves are not limited to extending horizontally across the ball striking face. The ball striking face may have vertical grooves that vary in depth as described above or a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves with varying horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional profiles. The orientation of the grooves may be such that a matrix-like ball striking face is provided on the putter.

Referring toFIG.27, aball striking face712 havinggrooves720 may be horizontally separated into three portions, which are thetoe portion780, acenter portion785 and aheel portion790. The ballstriking face712 may be similar to theball striking face212 and312 described above. Accordingly thegrooves720 have regions271-275 and371-375 similar to grooves220 and320, respectively, described above. The three portions described above horizontally separate theball striking face712 and span vertically from thetop rail182 to the sole192. Thetoe portion780 is near thetoe end180, theheel portion790 is near theheel end190, and thecenter portion785 is between thetoe portion780 and theheel portion790. According to various examples, the depth of thegrooves720 at thetoe portion780 and theheel portion790 may not be greater than the depth of thegrooves720 at thecenter portion785. In one example, the shallowest depth of thegrooves720, which may be nearest to thetoe end180 or nearest to theheel end190 may be approximately 0.003 inch. At or near thecenter portion785, the depth of thegrooves720 may increase as described above to a depth of approximately 0.017 inch. The variable depth may include a portion with a depth of at least 0.020 inches but less than 0.022 inches. The variable width may include a portion with a width of at least 0.035 inches but less than 0.037 inches.

Referring toFIG.28, theball striking face712 may be vertically separated into three portions, which are thetop rail portion782, themid portion786 and thesole portion792. These portions vertically separate theball striking face712 and span horizontally from thetoe end180 to theheel end190. Thetop rail portion782 is near thetop rail182, thesole portion792 is near the sole192, and themid portion786 is between thetop rail portion782 and thesole portion792. The length of the deepest portion of agroove720 may vary from thetop rail portion782 to themid portion786 and from themid portion786 to thesole portion792. For example, with respect to the examples described above, the length of the deepest portion of a groove may refer to thegroove720 that is proximately centrally located between thetop rail portion782 and thesole portion792. As shown inFIGS.27 and28, the length of the grooves710 may be greatest at themid portion786 and gradually reduce toward thetop rail portion782 and toward thesole portion792.

FIGS.29-37 show examples of different groove horizontal cross-sectional profiles according to the disclosure. In the above examples, the width of the grooves220,320,420 and520 is shown to have a rectangular profile. However, a groove according to the disclosure may have different width profiles as shown by the examples ofFIGS.38-45. Accordingly, a groove according to the disclosure may have any horizontal cross-sectional profile, vertical cross-sectional profile, width profile and/or depth profile.

A cross-sectional profile of a groove including variations in lengths, depth, width and/or cross-sectional shape of the groove may affect ball speed, control, and/or spin. The disclosed variable depth grooves may improve the consistency of the ball speed after being struck by the putter face by about 50% over a plastic putter face insert, and by about 40% over a non-grooved aluminum putter face insert. Striking a ball with a putter having grooves according to the disclosure: (1) may result in lower ball speeds, which may result in decreased ball roll out distance; (2) may result in heel and toe shots to have decreased ball speeds compared to center hits, and also may result in shorter ball roll out distance; (3) allow relatively lower and higher handicap players to strike the ball with different locations on the putter face (higher handicap players tend to hit lower on the ball striking face whereas lower handicap player tend to hit higher on the ball striking face. Also, relatively higher handicap players may have a wider range of hit locations whereas relatively lower handicap players may have a closer range of hit locations; and/or (4) a putter face with grooves in the center of the face may result in reduced ball speed/roll out distance for center shots, which may result in a more consistent ball speed/roll out distances for center/heel/toe shots.

Referring toFIG.46, another example of aputter face810 having grooves of variable cross-sectional profiles is shown. Theputter face810 is shown to have fourteen grooves, which are grouped into grooves822-828 near thetoe end180, grooves830-840 at the center of theputter face810, and grooves842-848 near theheel end190. In this example, the more prominent grooves are located at the center of theputter face810, and less prominent grooves are on the periphery of the center. A more prominent groove may refer to a groove that has a greater depth and/or width as compared to a less prominent groove. As shown inFIG.46, the grooves832-838 may be more prominent that the remaining grooves on theputter face810. Furthermore, portions of theputter face810 may be without grooves. These portions are referred to with reference number850.

Referring toFIG.47, another example of aputter face910 having grooves of variable cross-sectional profile is shown. Theputter face910 is shown to have ten grooves922-940. The length of each groove progressively increases from thetop rail182 to the sole190. Each of the grooves922-940 or groups of the grooves922-940 may have different vertical cross-sectional shapes. For example, grooves922-930 are shown to have box-shaped vertical cross sections, while grooves932-940 are shown to have V-shaped vertical cross sections.

Referring toFIG.48, a horizontal cross section of agroove922 according to another embodiment is shown. Abottom surface954 of thegroove922 is shown to gradually recede from theedges950 and952 of the groove to agreatest depth951 of thegroove922. Any of the grooves according to the disclosure may have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as thegroove922. Any of the grooves according to the disclosure may have thesame depth951. However, thedepth951 may be proportionally reduced as the length of the groove is reduced.

In another example shown inFIG.49, aball striking face1012 may include grooves1220 (shown specifically as grooves1222-1256). Theball striking face1012 may be for use with theputter100. Accordingly, parts of theputter100 and theputter head102 are referred to with the same reference numbers presented above. The grooves may have any cross sectional shape, length and width according to the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.49, a side cross-sectional view of aball striking face1012 havinggrooves1220 according to another example is shown. Theball striking face1012 may be separated into two portions with respect to thegrooves1220. Theball striking face1012 may include atop rail portion1282 and thesole portion1286. Thetop rail portion1282 and thesole portion1286 may vertically separate theball striking face1012 and span horizontally from thetoe end180 to theheel end190. Thetop rail portion1282 may extend generally from a center portion of theball striking face1012, which is represented by thecenter line1284, to near thetop rail182 and include thegrooves1222. Thesole portion1286 may extend generally from near the sole192 to thecenter portion1284 and include thegrooves1224. Thegrooves1224 of thesole portion1286 may have a greater depth at one or more locations along eachgroove1224 than thegrooves1222 of thetop rail portion1282. By havingshallower grooves1222 at thetop rail portion1282, the speed by which a golf ball rolls forward after being struck by the putter may increase so as to provide a more consistent and smooth ball roll out. Alternatively, the depth of thegrooves1220 may progressively reduce in one or more groove steps from thecenter portion1284 to the top rail182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of pairs of grooves may progressively reduce from thecenter portion1284 to the top rail182 (not shown). Accordingly, the reduction in groove depth from the sole192 to thetop rail182 may be for each groove, for pairs of grooves or for various groupings of the grooves.

Referring toFIG.50, thegrooves1224 of thesole portion1286 may have a smaller depth at one or more locations along eachgroove1224 than thegrooves1222 of thetop rail portion1282. Alternatively, the depth of thegrooves1220 may progressively increase in one or more groove steps from thecenter portion1284 and/or the sole192 to the top rail182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of pairs of grooves may progressively increase from thecenter portion1284 and/or the sole192 to the top rail182 (not shown). Accordingly, the increase in groove depth from thecenter portion1284 and/or the sole192 to thetop rail182 may be for each groove, for pairs of grooves or for various groupings of the grooves.

FIGS.51 and52 show other examples according to the disclosure. Referring toFIG.51, aputter head1300 includes aball striking face1312, which has a plurality ofhorizontal grooves1320 andvertical grooves1322. Each of thegrooves1320 and1322 may have a different configuration as compared to another groove, such as variable cross-sectional profiles, depth profiles, width profiles, length profiles and/or other groove characteristics from thetoe end1380 to near theheel end1390 and/or from atop rail1382 to a sole1392. For example, the depth of thehorizontal grooves1320 may progressively increase in one or more groove steps from thetop rail1382 to the sole1386. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring toFIG.52, aputter head1400 includes aball striking face1412, which has a plurality of firstdiagonal grooves1420 and seconddiagonal grooves1422. The firstdiagonal grooves1420 may be generally parallel to each other. Similarly, the seconddiagonal grooves1422 may be generally parallel to each other. The firstdiagonal grooves1420 and the seconddiagonal grooves1422 may be transverse to each other as shown inFIG.52. For example, the firstdiagonal grooves1420 may intersect the seconddiagonal grooves1422 at an angle of 30°, 45°, 60° or 90°. Each of thegrooves1420 and1422 may have a different configuration as compared to another groove, such as variable cross-sectional profiles, depth profiles, width profiles, length profiles and/or other groove characteristics from thetoe end1480 to near theheel end1490 and/or from atop rail1482 to a sole1492. For example, the depth of the firstdiagonal grooves1420 may progressively increase in one or more groove steps from thetop rail1482 to the sole1486. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring toFIG.52, aprocess2000 of manufacturing a golf club head according to one example is shown. Theprocess2000 includes forming a golf club face (block2002) defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole. A golf club face may be formed with a golf club head so that the golf club head and the golf club face are a one-piece continuous part. Alternatively, the golf club head and the golf club face may be formed separately. The golf club face may then be attached to the golf club face by using adhesive, tape, welding, soldering, fasteners and/or other suitable methods and devices. The golf club head and/or the golf club face may be manufactured from any material. For example, the golf club head and/or the golf club face may be made from titanium, titanium alloy, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, other metals, metal alloys, plastic, wood, composite materials, or other suitable types of materials. The golf club head and/or the golf club face may be formed using various processes such as stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, other processes used for manufacturing metal, plastic and/or composite parts, and/or other suitable processes. In one example, when manufacturing a putter head, the material of the putter face and/or the ball striking face may be determined so as to impart a certain ball strike and rolling characteristics to the putter face. In another example, when theball striking face212 is separate from theputter face110 and is inserted and attached into a correspondingly shaped depression on theputter face110, thestriking face212 may be constructed from a lighter material than theputter face110 to generally reduce the overall weight of the putter.

According to theprocess2000, grooves are formed on the club face and/or club head between the top rail and the sole such that each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end and depths of the grooves vary in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end (block2004). The grooves may be formed using various processes such as casting, forging, machining, spin milled, and/or other suitable processes. The vertical cross-sectional shape of a groove may depend on the method by which a groove is manufactured. For example, the type of cutting bit when machining a groove may determine the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove. The vertical cross sectional shape of a groove may be symmetric, such as the examples described above, or may be asymmetric (not shown). In one example, the width of a groove can be 0.032 inch, which may be the width of the cutting bit. Accordingly, when machining a groove, the shape and dimensions of the cutting bit may determine the shape and dimension of the groove.

The grooves may be manufactured by spin milling the ball strike face, or stamping or forging the grooves into the ball striking face. The grooves may also be manufactured direction on the putter head to create a ball striking face as described above directly on the putter head. A groove may be manufactured by press forming the groove on the putter head. For example, a press can deform and/or displace material on the putter head to create the groove. A groove may be manufacturing by a milling process where the rotating axis of the milling tool is normal to putter face. The rotating axis of the milling tool may be oriented at an angle other than normal to the putter face. A groove may be manufactured by overlaying one material that is cut clean through to form a through groove onto a base or solid material. A groove may be manufactured by laser and/or thermal etching or eroding of the putter face material. A groove may be manufactured by chemically eroding the putter face material using photo masks. A groove may be manufactured by electro/chemically eroding the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or a petrochemical substance. A groove may be manufactured by abrading the face material using air or water as the carry medium of the abrasion material such as sand. Any one or a combination of the methods discussed above can be used to manufacture one or more of the grooves on the putter head. Furthermore, other methods used to create depressions in any material may be used to manufacture the grooves.

As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies), golf equipment related to the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although a particular order of actions is described above, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions described above may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reversed order. Further, one or more actions described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While the invention has been described in connection with various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims (13)

What is claimed is:

1. A putter type golf club head comprising:

a putter club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole; and

a plurality of grooves disposed on the putter club face between the top rail and the sole, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the heel end and the toe end, and each of the plurality of grooves including a top edge and a bottom edge;

wherein a width of each groove is measured from the top edge to the bottom edge;

wherein the width of the plurality of grooves decreases in a direction extending from a center portion to the toe end and in a direction extending from the center portion to the heel end;

wherein a deepest portion of at least one groove is defined by a planar bottom surface portion of the groove when viewed in a horizontal cross section extending from the heel end to the toe end;

wherein the putter type golf club head comprises a loft angle less than 7 degrees; and

wherein a depth of a portion of the plurality of grooves is about 0.003 inch.

2. The putter type golf club head ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of land portions between the plurality of grooves; and wherein the width of the land portions varies in a direction extending from the toe end to the heel end.

3. The putter type golf club head ofclaim 2, wherein the width of the land portions increases in a direction extending from the center portion to the toe end, and in a direction extending from the center portion to the heel end.

4. The putter type golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the putter type golf club head comprises a loft angle of about 1 degree.

5. The putter type golf club head ofclaim 1, further comprising a separate face portion attached to the putter club face, and wherein the grooves are located on the separate face portion.

6. A putter type golf club head comprising:

a putter club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole;

a plurality of grooves disposed on the putter club face between the top rail and the sole, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the heel end and the toe end; and

a plurality of land portions extending between the plurality of grooves configured to contact a golf ball during impact;

wherein a width of each groove is measured in a direction extending from the top rail to the sole;

wherein the width of the plurality of grooves decreases in a direction extending from a center portion to the toe end and in a direction extending from the center portion to the heel end;

wherein a width of each land portion is measured in a direction extending from the top rail to the sole;

wherein the width of the plurality of land portions varies in a direction extending from the toe end to the heel end;

wherein a deepest portion of at least one groove is defined by a planar bottom surface portion of the groove when viewed in a horizontal cross section extending from the heel end to the toe end;

wherein the putter type club head has a loft angle less than 7 degrees; and

wherein a depth of a portion of the plurality of grooves is about 0.003 inch.

7. The putter type club head ofclaim 6, wherein the putter type club head comprises a loft angle of about 1 degree.

8. The putter type club head ofclaim 6, wherein the width of the plurality of land portions increases in a direction extending from the center portion to the toe end, and in a direction extending from the center portion to the heel end.

9. The putter type club head ofclaim 6, further comprising a separate face portion attached to the putter club face, and wherein the grooves are located on the face portion.

10. A putter type golf club head comprising:

a putter club face on a body portion comprising grooves extending from a center portion of the putter club face toward a heel end and from the center portion of the putter club face toward a toe end, and land portions positioned between the grooves, wherein:

a width of the grooves extends in a top rail to sole direction;

the width of the grooves decreases from the center portion toward the heel end;

the width of the grooves decreases from the center portion toward the toe end;

a width of the land portions extends in a top rail to sole direction;

the width of the land portions increases from the center portion toward the heel end;

the width of the land portions increases from the center portion toward the toe end;

wherein a deepest portion of at least one groove is defined by a planar bottom surface portion of the groove when viewed in a horizontal cross section extending from the heel end to the toe end;

wherein the putter type club head has a loft angle less than 7 degrees; and

wherein a depth of a portion of the grooves is about 0.003 inch.

11. The putter type golf club head ofclaim 10, wherein the width of the land portions decreases from the heel end toward the center portion, and the width of the land portions decreases from the toe end toward the center portion.

12. The putter type club head ofclaim 10, wherein the putter type club comprises a loft angle of about 1 degree.

13. The putter type golf club head ofclaim 10, wherein the width of a portion of the grooves ranges between 0.035 inches and 0.037 inches.

Images